Max Benson, Ron Holm bring primitive country to JustGoods Aug. 10

Max Benson and Ron Holm, a pair of big-voiced, song-belting Americana band frontmen, met when their groups (Uncle Cracker Barrel and Between Planes, respectively) shared billing at The House Café in DeKalb, Ill. Each one’s music instantly resonated with the music of the other, and their bands subsequently played several concerts together.

Benson and Holm mused about the possibility of collaborating on a two-man all-acoustic concert of primitive country music by the likes of Hank Williams and Johnny Cash, who helped invent the “hard country” sound. Benson and Holm might not have been around to ramble with Woody Guthrie, railroad with Jimmie Rogers, or croon with Kitty Wells, but the musical spirit of these giants and many more will be in the JustGoods Listening Room at 7 p.m., Aug. 10. Seating is limited, and refreshments will be available.

Stop in next door at Olivo Restaurant before the concert for wonderful food.